The cost of rural theft in the UK has hit a seven-year peak, with a 62% increase in Scotland. In its 2019 Rural Crime Report, insurer NFU Mutual’s claims figures reveal that rural crime cost the UK £50m in 2018, an increase of 12% on 2017.

Although the biggest percentage increase was seen in Scotland, its rural crime cost remains below the UK average.

According to NFU Mutual, the sharp rises are being driven mainly by high-value thefts of tractors, quad bikes and other farm vehicles – up 26% to £7.4m in 2018.